The Importance of Receiving the Ball on the Half Turn

In this week's coaching session, I would like to discuss the significance of a key aspect of the modern game. While many elements are important, I find that this skill is particularly crucial in contemporary football.

Receiving the Ball on the Half Turn

Therefore, the focus of this session is the technique of receiving the ball on the half turn, which is essential for initiating attacks from deep within your own half.

 

Current Trends in the Game

Increasingly, the modern game places emphasis on pressing the defence. This is largely because most teams believe it is vital to play out from the back.

Personally, I do not agree with this approach, as I object to the notion of a singular, predictable attacking plan. However, I have to accept that many managers encourage their teams to play from the back wherever possible, and understand the benefits of this approach, so therefore we need to address how to turn this into an advantage for us, rather than our opponents.

 

The Challenges of Playing from the Back

When a team has possession, there seems to be an attempt to create space for the full backs to open the game up.

However, this often leads to a long ball being played from the back straight to the front (as a means of bypassing “the press”), which paradoxically undermines the coach’s intention to build play more thoughtfully from the back.

 

Retaining Control Through the Thirds

I believe that the most effective way to control the game and the flow of attacks is to progress the ball through the thirds. This involves moving the ball from the back four into the midfield, rather than simply launching it forward to a big centre forward.

However, I do find that the emphasis on possession is overdone and it should be a combination of possession and progression in order to get the ball effective as possible to a goal scoring position, rather than just increasing possession stats for its own sake, or the coach's ego!!

Therefore I always encourage my teams to keep possession, but always look for a forward pass as the first option, only using a backwards or sideways pass when no forward option is available.

​

Midfield Requirements

To accomplish this scenario, it is essential to have midfielders who are comfortable receiving the ball on the half turn.

This requires them to open their bodies as they receive the ball, allowing them to lay it off quickly and efficiently, or drive forward.

​

Technical Aspects of Receiving on the Half Turn

The technique demands that a player positions their body with their body side facing their defender who is looking to pass the ball to them.

This allows the player to receive the ball on either side and quickly make a decision about their next move.

​

Structured Approach for Players

While there is a necessary level of technical skill required, I have assumed that all players have adequate control and passing abilities to do this.

What is more important, is a structured approach for receiving on the half turn, and players should follow these steps:

1. Call for the ball and, using your body stance and your hands, signal where you wish to receive the ball from the passer.

2. When you are awaiting the ball on the “indicated” side, immediately scan over your shoulder to identify the nearest opponent(s), as this will influence your next decision.

3. Take the ball forward, retaining possession and putting the opposition under pressure.

In addition to mastering the required technique, players must also demonstrate a level of “football intelligence” in order to make the best decisions in these situations.

For instance, if a teammate is calling for the ball but they are beyond your passing range, there is little point in attempting to play the ball to them. In such cases, it is advisable to have a quiet word with your teammate, explaining your predicament and encouraging them to only call for the ball when both

• You are able to make the pass and

• They are able to receive it.

It is vital that all teammates, including yourself, call for the ball when you want it. Many players are reluctant to call for a pass as they believe it alerts the defence to their position, increasing the likelihood of interception.

However, this concern can be addressed by considering a few key points:

• If you do not call for the ball, your teammates may not know where you are, resulting in unnecessary runs and wasted energy that could have been used more effectively elsewhere in the game.

• When you call for the ball, ensure that you are in a position to receive it and progress your team's attack further. The act of scanning over the shoulder, as described above, should become second nature in general play. Many professional footballers refer to this as "painting pictures" in their heads, as they know where everyone is before they receive the ball.

• Calling for the ball when you are clearly marked is usually not advisable. However, there are situations when doing so can be beneficial, such as drawing a defender out of position if you already know your next move. Additionally, calling for the ball even when you do not receive it is not a waste, as it can attract defenders towards you, creating space elsewhere for your attacking teammates to exploit.